Albacete caused a major upset in the round of 16 by defeating Real Madrid 3-2. To avoid a similar outcome, Barca deployed a strong squad, featuring Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie De Jong, Dani Olmo, and goalkeeper Joan Garcia in the starting lineup. Pau Cubarsi, Fermin Lopez, and Ferran Torres were introduced as substitutes after halftime.

Lamine Yamal was central to Barca's attacks in the first half. The 18-year-old forward opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Following a turnover by Lorenzo Aguado, Frenkie De Jong delivered a through ball to Yamal, who netted a perfect left-footed curling shot past goalkeeper Raul Lizoain. This goal extended Yamal's consecutive scoring streak for Barca to four matches, his best career achievement. Including assists, his direct goal contribution streak stands at six games.

Yamal celebrates during Barca's King's Cup quarterfinal victory over Albacete on the evening of 3/2. *Photo: AP*

In contrast to Yamal's performance, Marcus Rashford was largely ineffective. The English forward seldom participated in crucial plays and failed to make a significant impact. Playing on the left wing in place of Raphinha, he squandered two promising opportunities created by Yamal. In the 3rd minute, Rashford opted for a backward pass instead of taking a close-range shot. By the 7th minute, he shot wide from a one-on-one situation, despite Lewandowski being unmarked.

Although Albacete did not replicate their upset victory against Real, they still presented a challenge for Barca. The second-division side consistently maintained possession when they had the ball. They also launched active counter-attacks, creating risks for Barca's high defensive line.

Rashford showed improvement in the second half. The player, on loan from Man Utd, consistently accelerated and disrupted Albacete's defense. He also advanced close to the byline, generating clear scoring opportunities. In the 56th minute, Rashford delivered the corner kick that Ronald Araujo headed in, doubling Barca's lead.

Araujo (right) celebrates during the victory against Albacete on the evening of 3/2. *Photo: EP*

After Barca's second goal, Albacete took a risk by pushing forward and playing a more open game. The second-division team accepted greater defensive vulnerability but also created several dangerous chances. In the 87th minute, Javi Moreno headed in to narrow the score to 1-2.

Barca responded to Albacete's goal with Ferran Torres putting the ball into the net; however, the referee disallowed it for offside. This incident fueled the second-division team's hopes for an equalizer. In the 90+1 minute, Albacete nearly achieved a miracle when Fran Gamez chipped the ball over goalkeeper Joan Garcia. Yet, just as the ball was about to cross the goal line, defender Gerard Martin cleared it, saving the visitors.

With their 2-1 victory, Barca became the first team to advance to the King's Cup semifinals this season. The remaining three quarterfinals are scheduled for 4/2 and 5/2, featuring Alaves against Sociedad, Valencia against Bilbao, and Betis against Atletico.

The draw for the semifinals will take place on 6/2.

Thanh Quy